HHS Releases Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy
From the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ):
HHS National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy Released Today
The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy contains seven goals, each with specific strategies for different sectors of the health system, such as payers, the media, government agencies, and health care professionals, to improve health literacy. These goals emphasize the importance of creating health and safety information that is accurate, accessible, and actionable.
“Health literacy is needed to make health reform a reality,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Without health information that makes sense to them, people can’t access cost effective, safe, and high quality health services. But, HHS can’t do it alone,” she added. “We need payers and providers of health care services to communicate clearly and make the necessary changes to improve their communication with consumers, patients, and beneficiaries. Today’s plan is only the beginning of a long-term process with our many partners in all sectors that we hope will result in a society that encourages people to live longer, healthier lives.”
The Action Plan, a summary of the Action Plan, and an HHS press release on the Action Plan can be accessed at: http://www.health.gov/communication/HLActionPlan
Find AHRQ tools and information that can be used in implementing the Action Plan at: http://www.ahrq.gov/browse/hlitix.htm
